be disappointed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be disappointed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing feelings of sadness or dissatisfaction due to unmet expectations or outcomes. Example: "I was hoping for a better result, but I can't help but be disappointed with how things turned out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Could they be disappointed?

The New Yorker

It may be disappointed.

The Economist

They will be disappointed.

The New York Times

"He'll be disappointed.

The New Yorker

Will they be disappointed?

Independent

Business will be "disappointed".

Independent

#ISIS must be disappointed.

Independent

Gotta be disappointed.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Naturally, we're disappointed.

The New York Times - Sports

But we were disappointed.

The New York Times

He was disappointed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be disappointed" to express a sense of displeasure or sadness resulting from unmet expectations. For more impactful writing, follow "be disappointed" with a "by/in/with/at" prepositional phrase that specifies what caused the feeling, like: "be disappointed in the results".

Common error

While "be disappointed" is perfectly acceptable, overuse can make your writing monotonous. Vary your language by using synonyms like "feel let down" or "be disheartened" to add nuance and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be disappointed" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of feeling or emotion. It indicates a negative reaction to an outcome or situation that does not meet expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be disappointed" is a widely used and grammatically sound way to express feelings of sadness or dissatisfaction arising from unmet expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both correct and practical. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When writing, consider using specific prepositions (by/in/with/at) to clarify the source of disappointment. While common, avoid overuse by incorporating synonyms like "feel let down" or "be disheartened" to maintain writing variety. Remember to use "disappointed" to describe your own feelings and "disappointing" to describe the thing that caused them. Overall, "be disappointed" serves as a neutral and effective way to communicate subjective emotional responses in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel let down

Emphasizes the feeling of being failed or unsupported.

be disheartened

Highlights a loss of enthusiasm and hope.

be disillusioned

Suggests a loss of faith or ideal.

be saddened

Focuses on the emotional aspect of feeling unhappy.

fall short of expectations

Describes the failure to meet anticipated standards or hopes.

not measure up

Indicates a failure to reach a required standard or level.

be frustrated

Highlights the feeling of annoyance and impatience when progress is impeded.

be unsatisfied

Focuses on the lack of contentment with a result or situation.

be regretful

Emphasizes a feeling of sorrow or remorse.

be dispirited

Indicates a state of low morale or discouragement.

FAQs

How can I use "be disappointed" in a sentence?

Use "be disappointed" to express feelings of sadness or dissatisfaction when expectations are not met. For example, "I was hoping for a promotion, but I can't help but "be disappointed" with the current situation".

What are some alternatives to "be disappointed"?

Alternatives include "feel let down", "be disheartened", "be unsatisfied", or "fall short of expectations". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I am disappoint"?

No, "I am disappoint" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrasing is "I am disappointed". "Disappointed" is the past participle form of the verb, used as an adjective to describe the feeling.

What's the difference between "disappointed" and "disappointing"?

"Disappointed" describes the feeling experienced by someone (e.g., "I am disappointed"). "Disappointing" describes something that causes disappointment (e.g., "The movie was disappointing").